Top 3 Ways to Avoid SEO Rip-Offs
Have you been ripped off by a search engine optimization copywriter (SEO)?
Well, I just heard from another entrepreneur who hired a big, SEO research firm. Unfortunately, things did not go well, and this new business owner needed some help.
With this in mind, I thought it was time for a quick review so here are:
The Top 3 Ways to Get the Best Results from your Search Engine Optimization Copywriter:
1. Research.
When hiring a new SEO copywriter, have an extended conversation with that person and get all of your questions answered. (Ask about costs, expected results, timeframes, what is involved in reaching your
specific goals, etc.)
Also, call references, review work-samples and check for a good rating with the Better Business Bureau. This way, you’ll have some confidence starting your work relationship and know what to expect.
2. Communicate.
Once you start working together, keep in touch with your SEO copywriter on a weekly basis. You should know the status of all current and pending activities at all times.
And when you start a Pay-Per-Click campaign, launch a new Website, send out an e-mail auto-responder series or have another SEO project in place, ask for a report.
Since it is SEO, you can track clicks, top keywords, open rates, and other data to see what is working and what isn’t.
3. Review.
When you have some data for your SEO projects, review them with your SEO professional.
Stop the campaigns that are not getting results. Change keywords, overall copywriting, e-mail distribution times, subject lines, and more.
Then, test the variances to see what works best. Your SEO copywriter should keep track of the changes and keywords in a main database (note that you should own this database and all materials your SEO person creates for your business).
Communication is Key.
SEO is an ongoing process of research, tracking and changing so it’s essential to talk to your SEO copywriter on a regular basis and have a good, working relationship.
By monitoring activities and knowing which keywords and processes provide the best results, you can make the appropriate changes quickly.
This way, you save time and money while reaching your goals faster. More importantly, you will know what is going on and avoid being ripped off!
Do you have questions about SEO copywriting and how it can help your business increase sales and awareness fast? Please write to me here or at www.rembrandtwrites.com.
March 16th, 2011 at 8:51 am
Research is the head of the crop..without this then your doomed..
“Black Seo Guy “Signing Off”
March 16th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
I’ve watched this video on YouTube where someone sent Matt Cutts a question if anyone can have their website #1 on Google. He said that no one can guarantee it. I think that transparency is crucial when it comes to SEO. I just don’t know if checking with the Better Business Bureau will work for outsourced SEO vendor outside US and Canada. Even during an interview, no one will disclose that they’re doing some black or gray hat techniques.. and the only thing you can rely on are references from previous clients.
March 16th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Thanks for your comments TrafficColeman and Shaleen.
Shaleen, you’re right. You can’t guarantee top placement. The important thing is to provide valuable content to your target market.
And when working with an SEO specialist, you need to communicate regulalry and check your contract. It’s important to know what he or she is doing and what the tentative results will be. If you are not on the same page about expectations, you should be able to end your contract.
Melanie Rembrandt, rembrandtwrites.com
March 19th, 2011 at 8:22 am
I agree, if the content is there then there’s something to work with. I know far too many “pros” who say they can get top placement and then don’t deliver because they don’t do the research and generate content that will rank because it is relevant.
March 29th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
I found BBB.org to be a great resource when looking into businesses. Also, contacting other businesses that have used them. Always always do your homework before handing over all your hard-earned money!
May 25th, 2011 at 1:40 am
No one can guarantee high SERP ranking. Rather than leave every details of SEO strategy to an outsourcing firm, lay down proven techniques to be used by your contractor (quality backlinks, keyword-rich content and onpage work).
October 6th, 2011 at 12:19 am
Hello…great article